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[The Fascinating World of Insects: A 'Wow in the World' Special]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - What's Buzzin? (Encore - 2/4/22)]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2022-02-04

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Unveiling the Wonders of the Insect Kingdom

In this episode of the popular children's science podcast Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz take listeners on an educational journey into the peculiar habits of bugs. Beyond the exciting announcements regarding their upcoming 250th episode and special guest appearances—including Elmo from Sesame Street—the core of the show focuses on their signature game, "Two Whats and a Wow," which challenges young listeners to distinguish scientific facts from creative fiction.

The Game: Two Whats and a Wow

The hosts present three scientific statements about insects to their audience, tasking them with identifying the one true "Wow." The options provided were:

  • A: Wasps sometimes explode to protect their colony.
  • B: Crickets' knees sometimes smell like food.
  • C: Mosquitoes pee on you while they suck your blood.

After a brief investigation, the mystery was solved with the help of a listener named Willa. The correct answer was C. Mindy explains that "entomologists" (bug scientists) have discovered that mosquitoes release a small amount of urine while feeding. This biological process is necessary to "make room for the nutrients" they extract from their human hosts.

Debunking the "Whats"

The episode also clarifies the misconceptions behind the two incorrect options:

  • Regarding the exploding insects: While the hosts note that wasps have "amazing tools to protect themselves," it is actually certain types of ants that exhibit the behavior of exploding to defend their colony.
  • Regarding the smelly knees: While the statement about crickets was false, the truth is even stranger. It is ladybugs that "shoot an odor from their knees," a scent that allegedly mimics the smell of "nuts, green peppers and potatoes."

Science in Action: Operation Bug Hunter

To wrap up the episode, the hosts encourage listeners to engage in "Operation Bug Hunter." This challenge invites children to explore the outdoors, observe bugs in their natural habitats, and document details such as "wings, eyes, and, of course, knees." By sketching these creatures or taking photographs, the hosts hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity in our own backyards.

Conclusion

The episode serves as a reminder that the world of insects is filled with bizarre and fascinating adaptations. By blending humor with scientific inquiry, Wow in the World continues to foster curiosity in young "Wowzers." Whether it is learning about the 4,000 muscles in a caterpillar or identifying the unique survival strategies of common garden bugs, the program successfully turns complex biological facts into an entertaining and memorable experience for the whole family.

🎯Key Sentences

1
Oh boy, do I have a surprise for you.
2
It's going to be a November to remember.
3
But for now, let's get on with the show.
4
Come out, come out, wherever you are.
5
Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with
3
come as fast as I could
4
fire up
5
refresh our contestants
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📖 Transcript

Grownups, Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Wow in the World early and ad-free right now.
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Hey, Wowzer fans, Mindy here.
And before we start the show, I gotta let you know that this November, with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for Kids,
And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame Street stops by Wow in the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th.
Oh, but that's not all, Reg.

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